Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Connected Communities.

The Team Manager Connected Communities presented the report which sought endorsement of the regional paper and the principles of a locally delivered, regionally co-ordinated approach to employability (appendix 1).  The paper was developed with contributions from each of the 10 Local Authority areas within the Cardiff Capital Region.  This report was specific to the regional paper; however, consideration to the “Blaenau Gwent Employability Provision – Position Statement” report, presented separately, should be made.

The Officer then went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A Member referred to section 2.14 of the report and said he would like to see all industries in the HoV area prioritised.

In response the Team Leader Connected Communities confirmed that provisional support across the full breadth of employment opportunities would be needed in the HoV region, and the Council would make this point to the CCR.

A Member expressed concern regarding the number of employability schemes/providers in the area and whether their performance was being scrutinised.

The Officer confirmed that early discussions were taking place with partners to understand how best to deliver on a regional framework, but to ensure that it delivered for us locally.

A discussion ensued when the Corporate Director said this was an opportunity to look at what we need in Blaenau Gwent and regionally in terms of employability, and enable us to shape any future funding streams around that need.  He said our communities needed that help and support but funding was coming to an end, and this work was about trying to get collective agreement across the 10 LA’s to allow us to have local flexibility within the overall regional programme.

A Member agreed and said the provision needed to fit locally for the people of Blaenau Gwent.  He said a reduction in service providers was inevitable, and enquired as to the Council’s position regarding the risk for existing staff in ESF projects that may not continue

The Team Leader Connected Communities confirmed that it had been highlighted as a risk and the situation would continue to be monitored.  She said it was important to protect staff and retain that knowledge and experience.

The Corporate Director said the Council had made the point politically and professionally that we cannot afford to lose the capacity and expertise in this area, and that the Council was keen to know what future programme was intended.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and endorsement of the regional paper and the principle of a locally delivered, regionally co-ordinated approach to employability. (Option 1)